Help. Collent Temp gauge wont work

I just did a clutch change on my 93 non turbo. All by myself, in a parking lot at work i might add. But now my temp gauge doesnt move. It stays at cold. I dont have money for a new temp sensor right now. anybody know a way to see if the gauge is messed up or the sensor or anything inbetween.

It is fairly common that this sensor goes on our cars. Between myself and close friends we have had 4 of them go out over the years.